JORGENSEN FARMS - OAK GROVE • WESTERVILLE, OHIO

STEPHEN + AUSTIN

The Kind of Love that Rearranges You

From the moment I met Stephen and Austin, I knew. Some people enter your life and quietly shift the ground beneath you - rearranging your heart to make room for more joy, more laughter, and more love. Working with them felt less like planning a wedding and more like building something sacred.

Our journey was one of true collaboration from day one. Stephen and Austin were intentional about every decision, starting with the vendor team. The goal: to bring together as many women-owned, queer-owned, and minority-owned businesses as possible. It wasn't just about the work; it was about who they were supporting with their love story. And they backed that intention up every step of the way. The first person brought on board? Tessa Berg, the photographic genius behind Starling Studio.

A Greenhouse, Two Snails, and the Perfect Storm

Austin had big dreams. "Wow" moments were a must, but we were also mindful of the budget. So we developed a system: sometimes we splurged on the "Beyoncé" version of a detail, sometimes we chose the "Kelly," and very rarely did we ever go "Michelle." (If you know, you know.)

One of the most distinctive, and offbeat, elements of their wedding was the snail motif, which held deep symbolic meaning for them. It represented balance in their relationship: Stephen as the steady, thoughtful "slug," and Austin as the vibrant, protective "shell." When the motif became central to their vision, we had to get creative. Elegant snail-themed wedding decor isn't exactly lining the shelves. So I stepped in and designed their entire invitation suite. The final product was a showpiece: arched acrylic invitations, nestled in velvet-lined pockets, with custom green-toned inserts and gold foil detailing. A labor of love, and worth every second.

On the day itself, guests made their way from Le Meridien The Joseph to Jorgensen Farms Historic Barn & Greenhouse, where the lawn had been mowed in a checkered pattern per Austin's request. After they were handed a cocktail harkening back to the grooms' travel in Portugal, guests proceeded through the topiary garden, sprinkled with tables draped in moss satin, and into a flower-filled antique greenhouse draped in mink chiffon. Prema Designs brought the entire space to life, marrying the natural setting with elevated elegance.

The ceremony was deeply emotional, officiated by a dear friend, and set the tone for what would become one of the most heartfelt celebrations I've ever had the honor to design. Surrounded by their closest people, Stephen and Austin stood hand-in-hand in front of their found family - the community they've built with love and care. It wasn't just about who shared their DNA, but who showed up. Who chose them. Who supported and celebrated their love fully.

Cocktail Hour on the lawn and in the foyer featured roaming oyster shuckers, a nod to the couple's love of elevated experiences and unexpected details. The bar area was a vision we dreamed up together, with hanging greenery, chandeliers, and vintage-inspired pendants.

Then came the room reveal.

We crafted a jaw-dropping moment as guests entered Oak Grove. The escort display, designed by me and custom fabricated by Arch Event Rentals, stood 10' tall and spanned three pieces. In the center, a round cut-out overflowing with florals, from which a neon sign featuring two snails glowed. The display doubled as a lounge backdrop, with design motif carried through the every hand-mounted escort card. Within each escort card, guests found a personalized, handwritten note from the couple emphasizing how much they appreciated each individual relationship in the room.

And, the florals. My God, the florals.

The room was flooded with fall textures - moss, antique hydrangeas, wine-colored ranunculus, garden roses, and smilax. The head table was a centerpiece in itself, wrapped in floral meadows and lit by alternating hanging chandeliers and greenery covered orbs, suspended from mounts designed to feel like floating gardens. It was dramatic. It was romantic. It was everything. During the room reveal, overcome by emotion at seeing their dream come to life, Austin and Stephen shared a private dance before guests had their turn to take it all in.

Among the emotionally resonant moments of the day was the "We Saved a Place for You" memorial table. Instead of a traditional display, we created full place settings for each individual couple had lost. Loved ones whose presence was deeply felt, even in absence. Each setting featured meaningful, personal items: teddy bears stitched with the birth weight of Stephen's nephews, and Austin's mother's pearls carefully draped across her plate, among others. It was a breathtaking tribute that brought many to tears and served as a humble reminder of how memory and legacy remain a powerful part of celebration.

One of our biggest planning conversations centered on how to honor all the women who helped raise Austin after the loss of his mother. We ultimately landed on what he lovingly called the "Village Dance." Instead of a single mother-son dance, Austin took turns dancing with each of the incredible women in his life. It was powerful, moving, and unforgettable.

The party that followed? Electric. Guests waved LED batons, clacked hand fans, and danced until their feet begged for mercy. The only pause came when Little Ladies Soft Serve pulled up outside, offering the sweetest cool-down moment with their ice cream truck.

The Kind of Wedding That Stays With You

Stephen and Austin's wedding was the perfect storm. The kind planners dream about, but rarely get to experience. Incredible clients, an amazing vendor team, a clear and cohesive vision, and a whole lot of love. I've said it a thousand times, and I'll say it again: this wedding was one I'll be chasing for the rest of my career.

To Stephen + Austin,
Thank you for letting me be part of your story.

Your love is rare.

Your joy is contagious.

And your snail game is unmatched.